Cotter Promoted to Sergeant in Lynn Police Department

Paul Cotter (center) was promoted to sergeant in the Lynn Police Department. Police Chief Kevin Coppinger and Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy congratulated Cotter after the ceremony held at Lynn City Hall.

Paul Cotter was sworn in as a sergeant in the Lynn Police Department during a ceremony held Feb. 26 in the office of Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy.

Cotter, 36, has been a Lynn police officer for 11 years. He attended Sisson and Pickering Schools in Lynn and graduated from Essex Agricultural School. He holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from Curry College.

“I’m very excited and honored to be a sergeant,” said Cotter, son of Eleanor Cotter and the late Paul Cotter Sr. “Since I was a young boy I’ve always wanted to be a police officer. The chief [Kevin Coppinger], the deputies, and all the officers are great people and I look forward to making a difference in helping the citizens of Lynn.”

Cotter also praised the mayor for her support of the Lynn Police Department.

“The mayor is a very nice person and very supportive of the police department,” said Cotter.

Chief Coppinger, several colleagues in the department, and members of the Cotter family attended the ceremony that was administered by City Clerk Mary Audley.

Chief Kevin Coppinger said that Cotter has had a very distinguished career in the department

“Paul has had five commendations, four letters of appreciation and he was voted officer of the month,” said Coppinger. “He is a very diligent officer when he is out on the street. Just a couple of weeks ago, he spotted a vehicle whose occupants had broken into a Walnut Street business, and he relayed the information and the State Police were able to apprehended the guys. Paul is always aware of his surroundings. He’ll do very well as a sergeant. He’ll take his skills and now as a leader he can teach the younger officer those skills, too.”

Alan Webster, a personal friend, also congratulated Cotter on his promotion to sergeant.

“The position that he is receiving today is well deserved,” said Webster. “He’s been there for the department and just as any police officer would give their full dedication, Paul has done that for the Lynn Police Department. I’ve known Paul since we were teenagers and we used to ride around together and go to scenes. I’m very proud of him.”

Mike McEachern, Cotter’s former partner in the LPD, said, “Paul was a leader before he was a sergeant and now he has the stripes.”